Minor honored by tennis group

Henderson State University’s Thea Minor returns a shot to Oklahoma Baptist’s Kim Moosebacher during a singles game in the Great American Conference early this year in Arkansas. (Henderson State Athletics Photo)

Former CNMI No. 1 junior tennis player Thea Minor earned recognition from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.

Minor, who plays for Division II’s Henderson State University, was named as one of the ITA All-Academic Scholar Athletes. Only four Reddies got the distinction for their individual academic success with Sydnee Parker and Minor’s fellow Pacific Oceania players Annie Shannon of Fiji and Lorraine Banimataku of Vanuatu joining her on the elite list.

To get the ITA Scholar-Athlete status, a player must be a varsity letter winner, have a grade point average of at least 3.50 for the current academic year, and have been enrolled at their present school for at least two semesters, according to the statement released at the Henderson State University website.

Minor’s school was also recognized as one of the outstanding academic teams in Division II. The Reddies were handed out the ITA All-Academic Team award.

The ITA All-Academic Team award is open to any ITA program that has a cumulative team grade point average of 3.20 or above on a 4.00 scale. All varsity letter winners were factored into the cumulative team GPA for the current academic year, including fall 2017 and spring 2018, according to the same HSU statement released last week.

The 22-year-old is in her senior year with Henderson and hopes to continue bringing honors to her school both in tennis and academics in her final season. She added that the experiences she got while competing for the CNMI as a junior player helped her survive the tough life of a student-athlete.

“I am very honored in receiving in this award. Being a student-athlete in general is not easy. Trying to maintain good grades, attending classes, and going to practice right after is a challenge. I have been doing this since I was 10, my first trip to Fiji. The experiences I had throughout the years balancing school and sports are helping me overcome the challenges,” Minor said.

“I dedicate this award to my parents (Boyet and Joy), who have been my supporters and coaches, and to God for guiding me throughout the years. I also dedicate this to myself because it is not easy being a full time student-athlete. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to go be one,” she added.

After graduation, Minor plans to further her studies.

“ Once I graduate in Henderson soon, I am planning to apply to nursing schools. I also want to get a masters or doctorate degree. The big main thing I want to do is make a difference in peoples’ lives,” Minor said.